Every year about this time as we put the wraps on the January issue, I take stock of the past 12 months. For the performance-boat industry, 2006 was a year of great highs and lows.

Boatbuilders and engine manufacturers introduced a host of new products and these innovations should keep the industry moving forward. But it also was a challenging year as far as insurance for cats and rising gas prices.

With these thoughts in mind, here are my four wishes for 2007.

POKER RUNS EXPAND

I want to see every poker run in the United States follow the lead of the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club and look for ways to include smaller boats in their events. The club announced it was creating a 45-mph group to get owners of single-engine or smaller twin-engine boats to participate.

Dave Patnaude, president of the New Jersey club, said they made the change because some members felt their boats were too small or not fast enough for the runs. Like most major poker runs, the larger offshore V-bottoms and catamarans are dominating the club's events.

"Almost all of us started in smaller boats," Patnaude said. "We want everyone to feel like they can participate."

KEY WEST HOSTS REAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

This isn't going out on a limb, but the best offshore world championship wasn't held in Key West, Fla., in 2006. To find the most boats and most competitive racing, fans had to go some 800 miles north to Destin, Fla.

It would be great to have a combined world championship in the Florida Keys. But the chances of getting Super Boat International and Offshore Super Series together for a race is about as good as the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series.

During the winter, the leaders of Key West need to bring some peace to the tours. If not, they need to make the difficult decision and give the coveted November weekend to the Offshore Super Series.

TERRY RINKER NEEDS TO LOSE

The season that ChampBoat racer Terry Rinker put together in 2006 was simply remarkable. Seven straight victories and no one could touch the yellow tunnel hull. NowÑsorry, TerryÑRinker needs to lose.

If the sport can learn one lesson from the Unlimited hydroplane tour, having a dominate boat is bad for business. Miss Budweiser dominated for years and the tour suffered as a result.

At the season opener in 2007, if Rinker finds himself in a dogfight to win the race, he should back off the pedal. Let your competitors win a race or two. It's healthy for the sport.

CHANGING APBA'S MISSION

The American Power Boat Association has done great things for performance boating over the years, such as setting a standard when it comes to sanctioning races.

But it feels like in recent years the organization only focuses on sanctioning races and providing insurance. It needs to do more to protect our boating rights. The association should become the national voice when it comes to issues such as speed limits, emission standards and the manatee issue in Florida.

Having the APBA along with the National Marine Manufacturers Association looking out for us will only help performance boaters in the coming years.

Here's to wishing for a great year of performance boating.